Help Line & Family Counseling Centre Volunteers’ Bureau of Senior Citizens

Pilot projects are undertaken locally, basically to establish the methodology and costs involved. Their impact is studied and documented. These projects are handed over to local agencies for continuation.

HelpLine :

HelpLine, a pilot project of ILC(India), was set up in Pune, in collaboration with the Commissionerate of Police, Pune, on the 23^rd of December, 2003. The objective of this is to ensure that those in need get timely help. The information given by the senior persons is kept confidential.

The number of the toll-free Helpline for senior citizens is 1091. This Helpline is situated at the office of the Commissionerate of the Pune Police and the calls are attended to 24x7.

This Helpline also has a Counsellor on Call from 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. ILC-I has since 2008 handed over the Helpline to its collaborator, the Athashri Foundation.

Volunteers' Bureau :

In order to utilize the skills, talents and experiences of the elderly for the benefit of society, and also to re-establish their social status, senior citizens register with this bureau and offer their valuable voluntary services to hospitals, schools, institutions for children with physical or mental challenges, etc. Around 400 volunteers are registered with the Bureau and periodic meetings of the volunteers are held to review their experience and chalk out plans of action. The efforts of the Bureau are aimed at making volunteering a people's movement and to inspire other cities to follow on the same lines. ILC-I has since 2008, handed over the Volunteers Bureau to its collaborator, the Athashri Foundation.